Pro's & con's of Labor Day weekend?

Knottie1438022901

We're looking for some input from others on our final choice of date.  We plan to have a Sunday brunch outdoor ceremony & reception in September 2016.  Our venue is available all of those dates, so that doesn't impact our choice.  We've narrowed our dates to either Sun 11/4 which is Labor Day weekend or Sun 11/18.  We're leaning toward 11/4 but would like some other viewpoints before a final decision. 

On our "pro" list: Everyone would have a long weekend (those working).  People traveling from out of town would have more time for the trip.  Travelers could use less vacation time if staying more than the weekend.  We'd have an extra day on Monday to relax & spend time with guests that we wouldn't on a regular weekend.

On our "con" list: People might not want to take their final holiday of the Summer for our wedding.  It might impose on people who have some kind of tradition of things they do for the holiday weekend.

The only school-aged child who'll be at the wedding is local & nobody is a teacher, so back-to-school after Labor Day shouldn't be a factor for us.

What are your thoughts?  Thanks!

Jen4948

Don't throw your wedding on a 3-day holiday when people want to take vacations rather than go to weddings.

Pupatella

I personally would not book a wedding on Labor Day weekend (increased travel costs for guests).

But, check with your VIP guests and see what they prefer.

lyndausvi

Knottie1438022901 said:

We're looking for some input from others on our final choice of date.  We plan to have a Sunday brunch outdoor ceremony & reception in September 2016.  Our venue is available all of those dates, so that doesn't impact our choice.  We've narrowed our dates to either Sun 11/4 which is Labor Day weekend or Sun 11/18.  We're leaning toward 11/4 but would like some other viewpoints before a final decision. 

On our "pro" list: Everyone would have a long weekend (those working).  People traveling from out of town would have more time for the trip.  Travelers could use less vacation time if staying more than the weekend.  We'd have an extra day on Monday to relax & spend time with guests that we wouldn't on a regular weekend.

On our "con" list: People might not want to take their final holiday of the Summer for our wedding.  It might impose on people who have some kind of tradition of things they do for the holiday weekend.

The only school-aged child who'll be at the wedding is local & nobody is a teacher, so back-to-school after Labor Day shouldn't be a factor for us.

What are your thoughts?  Thanks!

Both DH and I work, but neither of us gets Labor Day off from work.   DH gets PTO for Labor Day, but isn't actually able to take it on Labor Day.  

Anyway,  there is nothing wrong with having a wedding on Labor Day weekend.  It works for some guests, not of others.   Just check with your VIPs first.  You also just have to go with the flow when it comes to responds.

MairePoppy

The only con I see is increased travel expenses. If  I had to book a  flight or drive several hours, I'd decline.  If the wedding is local, I'd be happy to attend. We don't have any Labor Day weekend traditions. 

jacques27

Knottie1438022901 said:

We're looking for some input from others on our final choice of date.  We plan to have a Sunday brunch outdoor ceremony & reception in September 2016.  Our venue is available all of those dates, so that doesn't impact our choice.  We've narrowed our dates to either Sun 11/4 which is Labor Day weekend or Sun 11/18.  We're leaning toward 11/4 but would like some other viewpoints before a final decision. 

On our "pro" list: Everyone would have a long weekend (those working).  People traveling from out of town would have more time for the trip.  Travelers could use less vacation time if staying more than the weekend.  We'd have an extra day on Monday to relax & spend time with guests that we wouldn't on a regular weekend.

On our "con" list: People might not want to take their final holiday of the Summer for our wedding.  It might impose on people who have some kind of tradition of things they do for the holiday weekend.

The only school-aged child who'll be at the wedding is local & nobody is a teacher, so back-to-school after Labor Day shouldn't be a factor for us.

What are your thoughts?  Thanks!

1.  Not everyone has Labor Day off.  Government and bank employees do, but those in the service industry, retail jobs, healthcare, etc. generally don't (or aren't guaranteed it off - my family members in the healthcare industry have to rotate and work every other holiday). 

2.  There may be only one school age child attending, but will there be only one family attending (that family) that has school age children?  Because even if the children aren't invited, the parents are likely doing last minute school shopping and prep and if their kids are in sports those sports have likely already started practice before school even officially starts.

But, it's a know your crowd thing.  I usually don't do anything for this holiday, but my cousin who has six kids is crazy busy, and my best friend goes to his cabin and has a family reunion every Labor Day.  So in most circumstances, I wouldn't have an issue with a Labor Day weekend wedding, though only if it were local.  If your wedding involved driving an hour or more, I may skip it because this is huge cabin country and what is normally a one hour drive is guaranteed to be two and half between traffic and construction. 

Basically, it's a know your crowd thing and check with your VIPs.  As long as you're aware of the potential higher decline rate from everyone else and okay with that, there's nothing inherently wrong with a Labor Day wedding.

JoanE2012

Knottie1438022901 said:

We're looking for some input from others on our final choice of date.  We plan to have a Sunday brunch outdoor ceremony & reception in September 2016.  Our venue is available all of those dates, so that doesn't impact our choice.  We've narrowed our dates to either Sun 11/4 which is Labor Day weekend or Sun 11/18.  We're leaning toward 11/4 but would like some other viewpoints before a final decision. 

On our "pro" list: Everyone would have a long weekend (those working).  People traveling from out of town would have more time for the trip.  Travelers could use less vacation time if staying more than the weekend.  We'd have an extra day on Monday to relax & spend time with guests that we wouldn't on a regular weekend.

On our "con" list: People might not want to take their final holiday of the Summer for our wedding.  It might impose on people who have some kind of tradition of things they do for the holiday weekend.

The only school-aged child who'll be at the wedding is local & nobody is a teacher, so back-to-school after Labor Day shouldn't be a factor for us.

What are your thoughts?  Thanks!

Assume you mean 9/4 and 9/18?  Anyway, unless it was a close friend or relative, DH and I would not attend.  We like to take long weekend getaways around Labor Day.

ILoveBeachMusic

My daughter just got married this past Labor Day weekend (the Saturday). It worked well for her for the reasons you gave. Our son, who works at a university had Monday off so it gave him an extra day to travel. Several of our guests also made it a mini vacation since the city where the wedding was held had a lot to offer attraction wise. I agree with PPs though it is a know your crowd kind of thing. To be honest though most of the guests were OOT of town but I didn't get the feeling it was an issue. Most of their friends' children weren't of school age yet though.

Knottie1438022901

Oops!  Yes, I meant 9/4 & 9/18.  Thanks for the responses so far; keep them coming!  :-)

JediElizabeth

Personally, I wouldn't be able to make it to a Labor Day wedding because of my own school, not my children's. I'm currently working and in graduate school, so that last weekend of summer doubles as my last reprieve before the semester starts. I would probably only give it up for my closest friends or family. 

Most people don't have that problem, but take into account that anyone who's currently a student is probably going to feel strained as a result of the date.

luckya23

If you're set on a Sunday, you will still probably have a better response when more people automatically have the next day off.  Sunday parties are not my fave.

That said, my cousin is getting married this coming 9/4, and I think my friend already has 2 competing weddings for that weekend, so it's a common thing!

chloe97

Every time this question comes up, people rail on long weekend weddings. I, personally, don't get it. I like long weekend weddings because if they are out of town, I don't have to take day off to attend. Sure, if you were my coworker or someone I wasn't close to, I may skip it to go out of town, but I would probably skip your wedding anyway. I think that it's more considerate if most of your guests are OOT to have a long weekend wedding, particularly if it's on a Sunday!

MesmrEwe

I'd rather have a wedding scheduled Memorial Day Weekend... or Fourth of July weekend...  Or Teacher's Vacation weekend... New Year's...

As others have said, not everyone gets Labor Day off.  Police/Fire/EMS/Service Industry/Healthcare..  For some it's a bigger ordeal to get that weekend off because the entire weekend is treated like a holiday...  And, it's not just your family - you're also asking vendors to work a Holiday weekend.  While some vendors work Sundays, others don't.  You're asking each and every worker at your wedding (Florist, Baker, Caterer, Bartender, etc.) to give up their holiday weekend as well. 

Obviously, if your heart is set on that date, nothing anyone posts is going to change that.  Also, just because you're planning for a sunny Sunday outdoors for brunch doesn't mean you aren't going to have Severe Thunderstorms and 115 degrees in the shade, and let's not forget bugs, lots and lots of little annoying gnats - in the frosting.  You need a backup plan! We've had too many brides over the years post that the 7-day shows rain all day and they didn't plan for it.  Think about those details before you formally book your venue!

ILoveBeachMusic

MesmrEwe said:

I'd rather have a wedding scheduled Memorial Day Weekend... or Fourth of July weekend...  Or Teacher's Vacation weekend... New Year's...

As others have said, not everyone gets Labor Day off.  Police/Fire/EMS/Service Industry/Healthcare..  For some it's a bigger ordeal to get that weekend off because the entire weekend is treated like a holiday...  And, it's not just your family - you're also asking vendors to work a Holiday weekend.  While some vendors work Sundays, others don't.  You're asking each and every worker at your wedding (Florist, Baker, Caterer, Bartender, etc.) to give up their holiday weekend as well. 

Obviously, if your heart is set on that date, nothing anyone posts is going to change that.  Also, just because you're planning for a sunny Sunday outdoors for brunch doesn't mean you aren't going to have Severe Thunderstorms and 115 degrees in the shade, and let's not forget bugs, lots and lots of little annoying gnats - in the frosting.  You need a backup plan! We've had too many brides over the years post that the 7-day shows rain all day and they didn't plan for it.  Think about those details before you formally book your venue!

I really don't think it is a big deal to ask vendors to work a holiday weekend. They either work it or they don't. Sometimes you have to pay a premium for a holiday. It isn't like it is an inconvenience for them or you are asking for a favor. People in the hospitality business expect to work holidays - if they didn't they would be out of a job. As for the workers such as medical, ems, fire, police they don't get those other holidays off either. They have to rotate holidays so there isn't one date that will make everyone happy.

lembaslover

Keep in mind that on a holiday weekend everything will be much busier so make sure to block out hotel rooms and give guests advanced notice because they will book up faster than a normal weekend. We're running into that with my brother's wedding which is supposed to be on July 4th weekend next year. A lot of places are already booked up and it's still 10 months to go. They haven't sent save the dates yet so no one has been able to book...

Also like PP have said a lot of people work or if they are in college might even have school on labor day. Personally I don't have any labor day plans each year but I know a lot of people who do. If I was given ample notice and reminded to book early with it being a holiday weekend I'd have no problems attending a labor day weekend wedding. 

Finally keep in mind you might get charged more for venue or other services with it being a holiday. I know our venue charged like 20% more for holiday weekends and had stricter minimums and such. I agree with PP in that there's nothing wrong with having vendors work a holiday, lots of people have to anyways, but expect to pay more since it is a holiday. 

[Deleted User]

I would talk to your VIP and see what their thoughts are about having it Labor Day weekend. A co-worker of mine got married a few years ago over Memorial Day weekend and for them, the family liked it. I can't remember which side it was, but for one of them, the bulk of their family lived about  1-2 hours away. They liked that they drove in on Saturday afternoon, relaxed, Sunday wedding, Monday slept in & drove home. I'm guessing for the majority of them (if not all) they didn't have to take extra time off. It worked great for this family, but I think you need to talk to your VIP's and see if it works for them. They may love it for the pro's you listed, but some may not like it for the same con's you listed. Only one way to find out. Oh yeah, maybe check with the hotel your guests would be staying at to see if there is a price difference (and how much) between the two weekends. If it's a huge price difference, take that into consideration for your guests that have to travel.

monkeysip

I have no problem with labor day, memorial day, 4th of july, or really, even thanksgiving weddings because those holidays aren't THAT important to me.  If I were close to you, I'd make it work.  If I weren't close to you, I'm probably not coming to your wedding anyway.

Easter and Christmas, I'd have to pass.  And if you were someone really close to me, I'd be mad you chose those weekends, lol.  But labor day?  No problem.  And you're not "forcing" vendors to work the weekend.  Those you hire can say no if they don't want to, and the staff at the venues for weddings usually know they'll have to work weekends and holidays.

STARMOON44

I think it's fine. Some people may prefer it, others may not. As long as your VIPs can attend and you don't pout if people say not it's not a big deal.

And major eye roll at the idea that you're forcing your vendors to give up their holiday. They will either be glad for the work and take the job, charge a premium, or turn down the wedding. Labor Day weekend is a really busy wedding weekend and I think most vendors are going to be fine with it.

ryanandjoe4

Your never going to make everyone happy with your date, I agree if you know your crowd will be OK with this go for it. To be honest the only way I would go to a Sunday brunch wedding is if it is a 3 day weekend or go but don't stay the whole time..

I am having a wedding in less than two weeks where we picked Columbus day, because some VIP's (my brother who will be walking me, and his sister's husband a GM) will be able to travel and still have Monday off. but Me and my FI don't have Columbus day off normally so I know many guests won't. 

We are also contending with kids sports Football, Soccer, Band.. people are busy all year, families and students. If a Sunday brunch fits your style and your guests style go for it. there are lots of reasons people won't make it no matter when it is planned for, just give plenty of notice so that the people that do make plans that weekend can decide to not take the trip if they want to make your wedding. 

Penguins1987

I had a Labor Day wedding and thought it was great. 

Most guests had Monday off and stuck around to keep the party going, with an extra recovery day.

Anyone that was heading home was able to get back on Sunday with way less traffic than on a normal Sunday. 

My vote is a definite yes! In my area people leave the city in droves, so the hotels were easy and traffic between the reception and ceremony was easy peasy. Of course, this depends on your location!

banana468

I think you're going to find opinions on both sides of the coin.   Some really think it's bad to have a holiday weekend and some don't care.

There's a good chance you're going to be seeing declines in some capacity.   Clear the date with your VIPs and BP and then let the chips fall.  

thisismynickname2

Eh, this is a know your crowd thing. I attended a Labor Day weekend wedding (on the Saturday). I was slightly bummed I didn't get to go out of town, but still enjoyed my Sunday and Monday off. 

It's not a big deal to me, honestly. 

(FTR, I've also attended a 4th of July weekend wedding. Again, NBD to me.) 

lyndausvi

STARMOON44 said:

I think it's fine. Some people may prefer it, others may not. As long as your VIPs can attend and you don't pout if people say not it's not a big deal.

 And major eye roll at the idea that you're forcing your vendors to give up their holiday. They will either be glad for the work and take the job, charge a premium, or turn down the wedding. Labor Day weekend is a really busy wedding weekend and I think most vendors are going to be fine with it.

yeah.  I work in the industry. It's pretty much known you work all the majority of holidays.    The exceptions might be thanksgiving and xmas as far as banquets go.  Most people do not get married or have other events on those actual days. Maybe around the day, but not on the actual day.    Although if it's a hotel there still would be a holiday bunch or dinner on those days.

arrrghmatey

If I were invited to a local wedding on Labor Day weekend, I would attend. There's no way in hell I'm traveling on a more expensive holiday weekend for a wedding unless you are my best friend or a close family member.

banana468

STARMOON44 said:

I think it's fine. Some people may prefer it, others may not. As long as your VIPs can attend and you don't pout if people say not it's not a big deal. And major eye roll at the idea that you're forcing your vendors to give up their holiday. They will either be glad for the work and take the job, charge a premium, or turn down the wedding. Labor Day weekend is a really busy wedding weekend and I think most vendors are going to be fine with it.

Do you honestly think that vendors aim not to work certain weekends?   I think that's really splitting hairs.   

Jen4948

chloe97 said:

Every time this question comes up, people rail on long weekend weddings. I, personally, don't get it. I like long weekend weddings because if they are out of town, I don't have to take day off to attend. Sure, if you were my coworker or someone I wasn't close to, I may skip it to go out of town, but I would probably skip your wedding anyway. I think that it's more considerate if most of your guests are OOT to have a long weekend wedding, particularly if it's on a Sunday!

You may like long weekend weddings, but many people prefer to make their own plans for long weekends, and finding out that they're invited to a wedding with potential hurt feelings if they go through with their normal plans instead makes them feel hurt and resentful that someone else seems to be calling the shots regarding scheduling. 

Also, if they were looking forward to a getaway or a staycation over a 3 day weekend to relax and de-stress, now they can't do that if they feel that they have to attend a wedding, especially if one or both principals are close friends or family members, because it will damage relationships if they don't.

Yes, they technically have the right not to go, but if not going is likely to damage relationships, exercising that right might be more trouble than they feel it's worth.

Knottie80779227

I'm sure this was already said (I didn't read through every comments). Initially holiday weekends sound more glamorous because you might think a lot of people have an extra day off, granted in my circle where I know a lot of people in the service industry, these are usually dates they are NOT allowed off and are most busy. However, take into account holiday weekends are generally more expensive to travel (increased airfare, hotel rates) and you will know your circle, but I know a lot of people who plan vacations and parties that weekend already. But pick the day that you think will work best and be happy with the people who come and don't fret about those who won't show (I've never met anyone who has had 100% attendance no matter what day they choose, but plan for it regardless).

banana468

Jen4948 said:

chloe97 said:

Every time this question comes up, people rail on long weekend weddings. I, personally, don't get it. I like long weekend weddings because if they are out of town, I don't have to take day off to attend. Sure, if you were my coworker or someone I wasn't close to, I may skip it to go out of town, but I would probably skip your wedding anyway. I think that it's more considerate if most of your guests are OOT to have a long weekend wedding, particularly if it's on a Sunday!

You may like long weekend weddings, but many people prefer to make their own plans for long weekends, and finding out that they're invited to a wedding with potential hurt feelings if they go through with their normal plans instead makes them feel hurt and resentful that someone else seems to be calling the shots regarding scheduling. 

Also, if they were looking forward to a getaway or a staycation over a 3 day weekend to relax and de-stress, now they can't do that if they feel that they have to attend a wedding, especially if one or both principals are close friends or family members, because it will damage relationships if they don't.

Yes, they technically have the right not to go, but if not going is likely to damage relationships, exercising that right might be more trouble than they feel it's worth.

This is seriously a big stretch.   Summer is wedding season and there's always going to be a conflict.   I think the OP needs to clear the date with their VIPs and note if there's a family history of events at that time.    If not, I think it's borderline silly to say that they can damage relationships by planning a wedding on Labor Day weekend.   There are just as many people who like long weekend weddings because it allows them the cushion to travel without extra vacation time.

The bottom line is that you can rarely please all the guests.   So if you check with those you know you want/need there, you may need to leave the rest to the guests to figure it out.    

I can tell you that in an era of destination weddings that require flights, I would sure as heck prefer a long weekend wedding vs. one that required me to take extra days off from work.   To each his/her own. 

STARMOON44

banana468 said:

STARMOON44 said:

I think it's fine. Some people may prefer it, others may not. As long as your VIPs can attend and you don't pout if people say not it's not a big deal.

And major eye roll at the idea that you're forcing your vendors to give up their holiday. They will either be glad for the work and take the job, charge a premium, or turn down the wedding. Labor Day weekend is a really busy wedding weekend and I think most vendors are going to be fine with it.

Do you honestly think that vendors aim not to work certain weekends?   I think that's really splitting hairs.   



Huh? No, that's not my point at all. I think most vendors are happy for the work they get! And if they don't want to for whatever personal reason they just say not.

julieanne912

I think we would have had a higher response rate if we had our wedding on Labor Day weekend instead of the weekend after.  A large portion of our guest list on H's side lives about a 5 hour drive away.  That's a bit of a long drive to do on a regular weekend but on a long weekend it would be a bit easier since there's an extra day in there.  But again, like others have said, that's a know your crowd sort of thing.

And, as for the people saying some people have to work Labor Day weekend.... those are usually people that have to work weekends in general, so no weekend wedding is going to be terribly convenient for them.  

I personally tend to not fly for weddings at all unless it's family or someone extremely close anyway (I don't like flying).  H doesn't like to fly for leisure trips either as he flies about 40 weeks a year for work.  So for us, the weekend a wedding sits on doesn't really matter, if we're coming, we'd come no matter what the weekend.  

banana468

STARMOON44 said:

STARMOON44 said:

I think it's fine. Some people may prefer it, others may not. As long as your VIPs can attend and you don't pout if people say not it's not a big deal. And major eye roll at the idea that you're forcing your vendors to give up their holiday. They will either be glad for the work and take the job, charge a premium, or turn down the wedding. Labor Day weekend is a really busy wedding weekend and I think most vendors are going to be fine with it.

Do you honestly think that vendors aim not to work certain weekends?   I think that's really splitting hairs.   

Huh? No, that's not my point at all. I think most vendors are happy for the work they get! And if they don't want to for whatever personal reason they just say not.

OK thanks for clarifying!